LAND ACQUISITION
PARK NAME PROJECT DESCRIPTION
COUNTYWIDE Funding to acquire parkland as guided by Park Authority Board approved land acquisition work plan
PARK DEVELOPMENT
PARK NAME PROJECT DESCRIPTION
WAKEFIELD Develop Phase II of planned skate park improvements to include rhythm course/mini ramps and vert ramp. 
COUNTYWIDE Fund Mastenbrook Matching Grant Program - Matching funds for community initiated park improvements.
COUNTYWIDE Fund trail developments - Various new trail developments, upgrades, connections and improvements
GREAT FALLS NIKE Complete infrastructure including SWM facility, trails, transitional landscaping screen and streetlights to complete open site plan.
RIVERBEND Design and construct substantial bridge over Clarks Branch on Potomac Heritage National Trail
SPRING HILL Fund FCPA contribution to 10,000 sq ft gymnasium addition to existing RECenter.
TURNER FARM OBSERVATORY PARK Design and construct a small rolltop observatory building
FRYING PAN FARM PARK Equestrian Facility - Stable Replacement Phase II
LAKE FAIRFAX Design and Construct Skatepark
LAKE FAIRFAX Construct rentable picnic shelters and amenities in the core area.
HOOES ROAD Infrastructure - Complete site plan, parking lot, entrance road, SWM, landscaping, trails.
LEE DISTRICT Family Recreation Area - Phase 1: Infrastructure to support family recreation area including Tree house entrance features
PINE RIDGE Convert 1 natural turf rectangle field to synthetic turf
PINE RIDGE Install athletic field lighting for (3) rectangular and (3) diamond fields and related work
LAUREL HILL Advance continuation of planning, design or development of sportsplex.
NORTH HILL Create Master Plan to determine future uses and facilities at 22-acre park on Richmond Highway in conjunction with Redevelopment and Housing Authority (RHA)
OAK MARR DISTRICT Convert two natural turf rectangular fields (#1 and #2) to synthetic turf and install athletic field lighting on rectangle fields #1 and #2 if master plan is amended.
BURKE LAKE & GOLF COURSE Design and construct Golf Course Club House Replacement - Phase 1 funding for comprehensive design and construction of clubhouse facility to include a design of a new 5,500 s.f. clubhouse (to replace existing 3,600 s.f. building) with expanded food services, meeting room, pro shop, cart storage, offices and restrooms.  Phase 1 would also include the design of a double tiered driving range structure and additional parking to allow for increased capacity.  Future bond funding will be needed to construct the driving range in Phase 2.
GREENBRIAR (ALSO IN SULLY DISTRICT SERVICE AREA) Convert natural turf rectangular field #5 to oversized synthetic turf.
ARROWHEAD Infrastructure - Complete road frontage improvements, streetlights, utilities, trails and landscaping.
PARK RENOVATIONS
PARK NAME PROJECT DESCRIPTION
KINGS PARK Park improvements to implement master plan revision elements.
OSSIAN HALL Renovate and expand the parking lot and trail system; relocate the multi-use courts and playground; construct a community plaza area and LID stormwater management facilities.
COUNTYWIDE Rental Properties Building Improvements; Various capital repairs to rental properties.
SPRING HILL Reconfigure/realign entrance (Lewinsville Road side) and repave existing road/parking lot.
SPRING HILL RECenter RECenter Mechanical System Renovation; Replace Dectron unit
LEE DISTRICT RECenter RECenter Mechanical System Renovation Replace Building and Pool Mechanical systems
MCNAUGHTON FIELDS Phase 1 Improvements to fields and amenities
MOUNT VERNON RECenter Phase 1: Conduct feasibility and conceptual planning for RECenter renewal to include engineering, market feasibility and architectural assessment of RECenter to determine if facility should be renovated or re-built.  Study to include at minimum conceptual plans for facility redevelopment. Phase 2: Design and permitting for RECenter renewal; Advance concept plan to full design plans for future construction
JEFFERSON DISTRICT Replace in-ground automated irrigation system for golf course.
OAK MARR RECenter Natatorium Renovation - various building and pool repairs.
PROVIDENCE RECenter Replace Building Mechanical Systems
BURKE LAKE  Replace the existing railroad track.
STEWARDSHIP
PARK NAME PROJECT DESCRIPTION
COLVIN RUN MILL Conceptual design for Visitors Center
HUNTLEY MEADOWS Boardwalk Replacement
HUNTLEY MEADOWS Wetlands Restoration Phase II
COUNTYWIDE Various natural and cultural resource protection projects to support park capital projects by developing inventories, assessments and management plans to protect natural and cultural resources on parklands.  Natural resource projects will include identifying significant natural resources; determining resource health and management needs; and conducting, monitoring and implementing resource management plans.  Cultural resource projects will include Phase I, II & III archaeological projects, Cultural Landscape Reports, Historic Structure Reports and preparation of National Register nominations.  Sites where activities will occur include Laurel Hill and additional bond related capital projects.
HISTORIC HUNTLEY Complete Phase II of the project (including the completion of walkways, parking and other improvements) so the site will be publicly accessible.
PINECREST GOLF COURSE Reconstruct upper and lower dam embankments and outlet structures to meet current dam standards
TWIN LAKES GOLF COURSE Replacement of the North Dam to meet current dam standards.
SULLY WOODLANDS Develop and implement cultural and natural resource stewardship projects for the Elklick Woodlands Natural Area and surrounding Sully Woodlands properties.
SULLY WOODLANDS Conceptual design for Stewardship Education Center

2008 Parks and Park
Facilities Bonds - $65 Million

Message from John Dargle, Director
Fairfax County Park Authority

We salute the vision of Fairfax County voters who approved the $77-million Park bond referendum on November 4th with nearly 68% support! This approval allows us to continue our 10-year Capital Plan developed as part of the 2004 Needs Assessment to improve parks to meet the needs of Fairfax County's growing population and protect our precious park resources.

The approved bond program will support plans to build, improve, restore and protect more than 40 park facilities and to acquire $14-million worth of additional parkland. The bond project list was guided by setting priorities based on extensive citizen input gained through an ongoing series of public workshops. The bond funded projects will benefit all parts of Fairfax County. We will use bond funds to fulfill the aspirations of current and future residents for better recreation, health, stewardship and fun.

We appreciate the commitment, hard work, and trust of bond supporters.

The Fairfax County Park Authority currently administers over 24,000 acres of parkland and 400 individual parks.  These include county parks that provide countywide services, including family playgrounds, picnic facilities, golf, camping, skating, boating; stream valley trails, natural resource areas and historic sites; district parks that provide area-wide services, such as athletic field complexes, RECenters, dog parks and athletic courts; and local-serving parks with playgrounds, fields, courts, picnic areas and open space.

Approximately one-half of the Park Authority’s operating costs are covered by fees charged by revenue-producing facilities, including RECenters and golf courses.  The remaining operating funds are appropriated by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors from the county’s combined general fund and constitute approximately 1%.

The Park Authority’s user fees do not cover the cost of developing new facilities or the major renovation of existing facilities.  These improvements are funded primarily through two mechanisms: revenue bonds and general obligation bonds. The general obligation bonds are primarily utilized for the renovation of existing facilities. The utilization of general obligation bonds is also a way to ensure current users are not burdened with the full cost of improvements, and thus these bonds spread the cost of the improvements over an extended period of time.  This ensures future generations of park users will also be contributing to the cost since they will benefit from these improved facilities.  The utilization of general obligation bonds also affords the county the opportunity to borrow funds at a very competitive interest rate.

According to a survey conducted as part of the 2004 Parks and Recreation Needs Assessment process, 80% of county households visited at least one of the county’s parks during the preceding year, and 80% of county residents endorse the renovation of existing facilities, as well as the acquisition and preservation of open space.

The bonds will be spent in accordance with the bond referendum question posed to voters. While specific projects may change and bond funds reallocated to other capital improvements, the currently proposed program will include the following project allocations:


LAND ACQUISITION $14.38 MILLION

Land Acquisition ProgramThe Park Authority has proposed $14.38 million in bond funds to acquire new parkland through purchase, conservation easements and other mechanisms.  The acquisition program targets sites that meet established criteria, such as areas of high deficiency, adjacency to existing parks to expand recreation opportunities, and lands to protect significant natural and cultural resources.

The program’s key to success is securing land that can support the facility development goals from the Needs Assessment and land that serves to protect significant natural and cultural resources.  Private sector and community-based cooperation will be sought to leverage the cost-effectiveness of acquisition monies through easements and donations of land and funds.

Over the past five years, park bond funds have contributed to the acquisition of 588 acres of parkland or conservation easements that met parkland acquisition criteria.  Acquisitions included purchase of Old Colchester Park and Preserve, a 140-acre park, a 31-acre addition to the Mason Neck West Park, a one acre Merilee Park in Merrifield, the six acre Hogge property in Baileys Crossroads, and significant acquisitions of over 100 acres in the Sully Woodlands Region. Bond funds were also used to acquire a conservation easement on the significant Salona Historic site that will provide opportunities for resource protection and recreation facilities.


PARK DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM $19.2 MILLION

A total of $19.2 million has been proposed to develop new park facilities and infrastructure. These improvements are classified in the following funding categories:

1.   Athletic Fields                                             $6.23 Million

Athletic FieldsA total of $6.23 million would be used to add capacity at existing athletic fields through the conversion of four existing natural-turf rectangular fields to synthetic turf and add state of the art lighting systems to eight fields. Locations for these improvements include two fields at Oak Marr Park, one field at Pine Ridge Park and on oversized field at Greenbriar Park.  The 2004 Parks and Recreation Needs Assessment identified a shortage of rectangular fields. Across the county, there is a higher deficiency of this type of field than any other. By converting natural-turf fields to artificial turf, the playing capacity to increase by approximately 62% without additional land costs.  These fields also provide a safer playing surface and require fewer maintenance dollars.

The addition of lights to athletic fields allows use into the evening and expands field use capacity. Field lighting locations will include two rectangular fields at Oak Marr Park, if a master plan revision is approved, and three diamond fields and three rectangular fields at Pine Ridge Park.

In addition, funding is included to continue the planning, design and site preparation of a Countywide Sportsplex at Laurel Hill Park.  A feasibility study was completed in 2008 to determine under what conditions a Sportsplex partnership might be considered.

Bridge construction

2.   Trails and Stream Crossings                              $1.48 Million

The Park Authority’s goal is to add 75 miles of trails and trail connections by 2013. A total of $1.48 million would be used to further develop a countywide comprehensive trail network and for a substantial stream crossing over Clark’s Branch in Riverbend Park. Expansion of the trail network, trail connections and stream crossings will provide access to highly used recreation facilities that enhance residents’quality of life and health. 

Wakefield Skate Park

3.   Park Facility Development                       $11.52 Million

A total of $11.52 million has been proposed to develop new park facilities. Phased development of several new and existing parks throughout the county to include passive and active types of recreational facilities.  This category provides funding for the Mastenbrook Matching Fund Grant Program, and for the creation of a new community skate park at Lake Fairfax Park and the expansion of Wakefield Skate Park.  Also funded are a contribution to Spring Hill RECenter gymnasium addition, a small rolltop observatory at Observatory Park in Great Falls, infrastructure improvements to support the future Family Recreation Area at Lee District Park, Picnic Shelters at Lake Fairfax Park, continuation of stable replacements at Frying Pan Farm Park, Clubhouse replacement at Burke Lake Golf Course.  Site amenities such as parking, entrances, landscaping and stormwater management will be completed at Hooes Road Park, Arrowhead Park and Great Falls Nike Park.


PARK AND BUILDING RENOVATIONS $19.74 MILLION

RECenters built in the 1980s and 90’s will receive funding for replacement of aging equipment, such as roofs, HVAC and pool systems.  These RECenters include Spring Hill, Lee District, Oak Marr and Providence.  Parking and entrance improvements are also planned at Spring Hill RECenter. An engineering study to assess renewal requirements for Mt. Vernon RECenter and Ice Rink opened in 1981 is also funded. Replacement of the 41-year old train track at Burke Lake and the irrigation system at Jefferson Golf Course, plus renovations at Ossian Hall Park and Kings Park Park will renew these facilities and extend their service.


STEWARDSHIP $11.64 MILLION

Stewardship projects include planning, design and construction of capital projects which carry out the Park Authority’s stewardship mission, supports the approved Natural and Cultural Resource Management Plans and/or County’s environmental or cultural resource initiatives. Stewardship projects include capital projects that promote the protection, enhancement, interpretation and education of natural, cultural and general park resources.   Improvements projects include Phase II Huntley Meadows Wetlands Restoration and Boardwalk Replacement, Phase II of Historic Huntley restoration to allow public accessibility, mandatory dam repairs at Pinecrest and Twin Lakes Golf Courses, concept design for the Stewardship Education Center and other natural resource protection projects in Sully Woodlands and Laurel Hill and cultural resource and archaeology projects to protect various cultural resource sites in support of capital projects.

For more information about the parks and park facilities bonds, contact the Fairfax County Park Authority, 12055 Government Center Parkway, Suite 927, Fairfax, VA 20035, 703-324-8662, TTY 711.

 

 

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